The Belizean currency exchange rate is $2 BZ to every $1 USD. The majority of places on Caye Caulker accept credit card - Brian & I have used this form of payment at many restaurants without an issue. However, most corner stores (for beer and miscellaneous items) and small food stands only take cash (US dollars are fine!) There is only one ATM in Caye Caulker located in the center of the village (Atlantic Bank). You can also get cash at the ATM in the airport upon arrival; however, we suggest planning to bring sufficient funds upon arrival. In our experience, Brian and I have always planned to have enough cash to get through the trip and have found it is always best to have cash on hand. There will be a safe in your room (Seaside Cabanas**). ** If you are not staying at Seaside Cabanas, we recommend that you confirm with your accommodations
American, United, Delta, Southwest and Avianca airlines all fly from the US to Belize's international airport, Philip SW Goldson (BZE). Only United has direct flights to BZE, and on Saturdays only. We apologize for this inconvenience. Tip: On your return trip home, give yourself more than 1.5+ hour layover for any connecting flights to get through U.S. customs and back into the United States. (You will have to go through customs wherever your first flight lands in the US)
Visitors to Belize must possess a passport, valid for at least three (3) months after the date of arrival and a return ticket. Visitors are usually given a one-month / 30 day stay.
The local airport on Caye Caulker is currently closed for renovations. It is estimated to be finished this summer and we will update as soon as local flight information from Belize city airport to Caye Caulker is available.
We will update all our guest of specific ceremony/reception information and times when it is available.
Water Taxi: Pros: - Cheaper - Drop off right out front of Seaside Cabanas - Boat ride scenery to the island (Brian & I saw a pod of dolphins once!) - Beers are welcome, there are numerous shops at the dock - Part of the adventure Cons: - Longer travel day (20 minute cab ride; 45 minute boat ride) - MUST PLAN FOR AMPLE TIME TO CATCH WATER TAXI RIDE - The water taxi's last ride is at 5:30 PM, so be sure to provide enough time to catch the last ferry or you will not make it to the island until the next day. ** If your flight lands later than 3:40, you will risk missing the last ferry of the day! Airport: Pros: - 10 minute flight - No need to leave the BZE airport, your island flight will take off from there Cons: - More expensive - Must book ahead of time via Maya Air or Tropic Air - The Caye Caulker airport is a 10 minute, appx. $5 golf cart ride from Seaside Cabanas where the Water Taxi would otherwise drop you off in front
Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize in Central America. Brian and I fell in love with the "go slow", laid back vibe and amazing crystal clear waters 3 years ago on our first trip there. We went back in March 2018 and loved it just as much as the first time. There are many island dogs that roam free but actually have homes, and all are friendly, happy pooches. The culinary cuisine is influenced by the sea, Central American dishes, and a large Creole presence on the island. Our favorites include the catch of the day, BBQ jerk chicken, fry jacks, and of course, rice and beans. Grab a beer at one of the many corner convenience stores, walk around the island, talk to locals, and make sure to go slow. We hope you can carve some time out of your busy, crazy lives and go slow with us in paradise!
Bike rentals are available at your hotel front desk or through your AirBNB host, most likely, and typically cost around $5 per day. There are several golf cart taxis that offer rides for around $5 depending on where you are going. However, if your mobility is limited and find it more enjoyable to get everywhere by golf cart, you can rent one for a daily or weekly rate. This can be arranged through your hotel. There are no cars on the island. With this said, we have never rented a bike or even taken a golf cart taxi ride. 99% of the sights you would travel to are within a 20 minute walk, and usually much less than that.
Belikin, Landshark, Red Stripe, and Guinness are the typical beers you can find in convenience stores and restaurants on the island. There are local options for rum, vodka, and tequila and anything imported will be more expensive. If you enjoy wine or imported liquor, we recommend buying that once you land at the BZE airport at the duty free shop located by baggage claim. I believe the limit is 6 bottles (double check before you over buy) and it is much cheaper to buy it there than on the island.
We recommend you pack sunscreen (don't be shy with this, the island is white coral and reflects the sun, you can burn easily), sunglasses, hats, sandals, plenty of bathing suits (your daily attire), cash, camera, PASSPORT!, etc. We always pack a reusable "Bubba mug", Yeti, or water bottle for making our own drinks and having water at the ready always. Please ask us if you have any questions on these details.